Justin Vernon of Bon Iver is joined by old friends Brian Moen and Phil Cook on this new release, creating The Shouting Matches. This is the first release from Middle West, Vernon’s management company for all of his output. Now streaming over at NPR, this album makes me want to road trip through the Midwest. This project has a happier feel than Bon Iver, good for rolling the windows down. They are playing Coachella, and have dates so far in August in Milwaukee and Minneapolis.
Philly based Bleeding Rainbow on Kanine Records are a whole new band. They used to be a noise pop two piece called Reading Rainbow. Now with two more members and a nifty name change, they sound totally different, and they are a powerhouse. With the mix of girlish but strong vocals and layers of fuzz, my perfect band has been created. They are also Dave Grohl approved for what that’s worth. As one person commented on youtube, they sound like they would have been on 120 Minutes, and that was a great great show. Really looking forward to shooting their show at Larimer Lounge on May 8th! The album is already out, watch the video for “Drift Away” here:
photo by leslieloudspeaker
NPR is streaming one of the few things I like from Oklahoma (kidding, UT grad) the new Flaming Lips album The Terror today, take a listen.
album cover
The Besnard Lakes out of Montreal on Jagjaguwar have won multiple Canadian awards and been around for awhile. This husband and wife team create atmospheric masterpieces with the perfect touch of fuzz, and the latest release has just premiered the video for the single “People of the Sticks”. Best for people who like things pretty and weird. There’s a lot going on in the sound, try it with headphones.
When I request new music from labels, I’m usually looking for any catchy indie-pop, psych rock, and things that are unique. I did NOT expect to hear the most beautiful sad song I’ve ever heard, though! Then I watched the video and it hit me harder than any Oscar-winning cry-a-thon has. Wow. Amanda Palmer, you are so good.
still from video
Hunters are a rowdy group from Brooklyn who just signed with Mom+Pop Records and are already opening for JEFF the Brotherhood, a personal favorite of mine. Listen to their 5 song EP, it gets better and better song by song, fuzzy rock that is reminiscent of Sonic Youth in a way, and the tracks progressively build until track 5 is just full blast. Love the alternating vocals, reminds me of the angel and devil screeching in each ear. As soon as they start, they light the stage up. And why yes, I do love her hair.
album cover
Kinski from Seattle with Kill Rock Stars have been making their fuzzed out, wildly psychedelic hard rock music for over a decade. The new album Cosy Moments shows a more pop sound, and I love it, especially considering I never expected another album! All the fuzz and garage and over layering are still there, but melodies are stronger, everything just sounds more blissful and ethereal. Listen to track 3, “Skim Milf”, it’s under two minutes, if you like it then you’ll love the 6-8 minute stuff. For the space rock of old, check out track 9, “We Think She’s A Nurse”. I haven’t seen them live (rare!) and their tour dates seem to stick around the East Coast. Come to Denver! We like music!
photo by leslieloudspeaker
Tom Marshall posted a song left off Traveler called “Hotbox” today, and I’ve listened to it 17 times now. They need to hotbox Dick’s, it’s only fitting. Heck, just play it live anywhere!
photo by leslieloudspeaker
Shakey Graves is a one man band to be reckoned with. Just when you think there are enough folk/blues singer/songwriters, someone like Shakey Graves fires through proving you wrong. Hailing from Austin, he’s recently finished a residence at The Parish and went on to become a big buzzed about musician during sxsw. When he walked up to the Denver show in his cowboy hat and leather jacket, fans were stopping him to shake hands, take pictures and tell him thank you. The word has really gotten out! The venue was packed clear back to the soundboard at Hi Dive, filled with people who had heard about this guy and his drum suitcase. He didn’t disappoint. Playing with ease and singing with conviction, he had the audience clapping and in awe, leaving them yelling for an encore, which he gladly played. Next time he comes through town, he’s going to have a big show, and it definitely won’t be free.
On a personal note, when reading his bio, I came across his old headshot. I knew Alejandro instantly from old castings and working on Spy Kids 3. Small world! I’m glad the ghost of Shakey Graves decided to haunt him, guy has talent galore, and I’ve gotta say, the ladies LOVE him, I saw y’all all swooning at the front last night!
photo by leslieloudspeaker
photo by leslieloudspeaker
photo by leslieloudspeaker
photo by leslieloudspeaker
photo by Brittney Bollay
Pickwick have released one of the best albums this year, Can’t Talk Medicine. Indie-pop enthused with the bluesy soul of singer Galen Disston, a guy who listens to his dad’s vinyl collection of Grateful Dead and cites Bob Dylan’s lyrics as an influence, giving a positive sound to this Seattle band, a town known for it’s grunge and sludge. Incredible energy live, caught them at sxsw and the audience was dancing, an activity seldom seen there. Catch them live in Boulder on May 8th.
listen to the album, buy the album, check out tour dates
leslieloudspeaker 